Discover Hawaii

The fresh, floral air energizes you. The warm, tranquil waters refresh you. The breathtaking, natural beauty renews you. Look around. There’s no place on earth like Hawaii. Whether you're a new visitor or returning, six unique islands offer distinct experiences that will entice any traveler.

Destination Overview

City Guides

Things To Do

Lounging at the pool is always nice, but why not feel the sand between your toes and enjoy the warm waters of Hawaii? From surfing and canoeing on Waikiki beach to swimming with manta rays on Hawaii Island, get out and experience an unforgettable water adventure in Hawaii.

Golf

Welcome to golf heaven. Blessed with breathtaking scenery, unforgettable signature holes and championship caliber course design, it's no wonder why Hawaii attracts so many golfers from around the world. Discover a variety of unique course layouts on Hawaii's six, geographically distinct islands—from greens lined with volcanic rough to stunning seaside water hazards. And with more than 70 amazing golf courses to choose from, it won't be difficult to find the perfect course for you.

Kauai Activities

Sail the Napali Coast or kayak on the Wailua River. Golf on a resort course or hike the trails of Waimea Canyon and Kokee State Park. Explore Kauai’s historic places and learn about Hawaii’s culture, from attending a local festival to enjoying hula at an authentic luau. Whether you’re enjoying a romantic sunset on Poipu Beach or zip lining through the island’s lush valleys, Kauai is a tropical playground waiting to be explored. Browse the links below to see all that Kauai has to offer.

The oldest and northernmost island in the Hawaiian chain, Kauai is known for the breathtaking cliffs of the Napali Coast. Take a boat tour and don’t forget your camera as you witness this spectacular natural wonder. While you’re there, don’t forget to spend some time relaxing on the picturesque beaches of the North Shore. And while Kauai may be best known for kayaking along the tranquil Wailua River, the truly adventurous should try mountain tubing in the irrigation ditches of Lihue.

Oahu Activities

Ride a longboard in the gentle surf of Waikiki Beach. Browse historic and contemporary art in Oahu’s museums. Sample Hawaiian food and learn how to dance the hula at a luau. On Oahu, you'll find an activity and attraction for every inclination from the North Shore to the Makapuu Lighthouse on the island’s southeast tip. Browse the links below to see all that Oahu has to offer.

Oahu is the metropolitan heart of Hawaii. It’s also known as a mecca for the sport of surfing. The legendary North Shore is home to Waimea Bay, the birthplace of big wave surfing and every winter, the best surfers from around the world compete along the North Shore at the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing (November - December). You can also learn how to surf yourself or go on a canoe ride on the gentle waves of historic Waikiki Beach. And for snorkelers, the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is one of the most popular snorkeling spots in the islands.

Maui Activities

From award-winning beaches to award-winning cuisine, Maui has it all. Dance and dine at a luau in Kaanapali. Take a quiet stroll in a flourishing botanical garden in Kula. Discover Maui’s thriving art scene in Makawao and Lahaina. Catch a show, catch a wave, or catch up on some rest. On Maui, anything is possible. Browse the links below to see all that Maui has to offer.

From Kaanapali Beach to Makena Beach (Big Beach), Maui is famous for its many idyllic beaches. Hookipa Beach is also known as the windsurfing capital of the world. But Maui is probably best known as being one of the best places in the world to see humpback whales. Go on a whale watching tour from December to May departing from Lahaina or Maalaea Harbor for an unforgettable whale encounter.

Molokai Activities

Experience a variety of off the beaten path adventures on Molokai. Go on a sports fishing adventure out of Kaunakakai Harbor. Hike or take a mule ride to Kalaupapa National Historical Park. Or explore Molokai’s botanical preserve, macadamia nut or coffee farm. Browse the links below to see all that Molokai has to offer.

Also a short ferry ride across the channel from Maui, Molokai is an island firmly rooted in Hawaiian culture. Molokai is best known for fantastic sports fishing. Fishing enthusiasts can take a charter boat from the charming town of Kaunakakai for the catch of a lifetime.

Lanai Activities

"Hawaii's Most Enticing Island," is small enough for activities that feel more intimate and personal, but big enough for a variety of adventures. Lanai’s luxurious resorts offer activities ranging from world-class golf to clay shooting. But to really see the unexpected side of Lanai, explore the island's 89,600 acres of countryside and remote beaches by 4-wheel drive. Browse the links below to see all that Lanai has to offer.

Just across the channel from Maui, Lanai is a secluded getaway known for its resorts and 4-wheel drive adventures. But for scuba divers, the lovely lava caverns off the south coast called the Lanai Cathedrals, cannot be missed.

Island of Hawaii Activities

Many visitors come to the islands to simply lie in the sun. But your choice of island of Hawaii activities goes far beyond sunbathing. There are whales to watch, lush rain forests to be traversed, waves to be surfed, underwater caverns to be explored, hiking trails to walk, and cultural sites and sanctuaries to be discovered. You won’t be able to resist.

The calm, clear waters along the Kona Coast make Hawaii Island a special place for snorkeling and scuba divers. Kona is also known as a great place for deep-sea sports fishing, with many fishing tournaments held throughout the year. But one of the most unique water adventures the island has to offer is manta ray diving. Take a charter boat off the Kona coast at sunset and scuba or snorkel with friendly mantas. Having an otherworldly manta ray glide within inches of you is an experience you’ll never forget.

Observe the work of Hawaii’s artists and you’ll see and feel the poetry of the islands expressed in color, light, and shadow – painted, printed, sculpted, etched, photographed, and filmed. Likewise, the artisans and craftspeople, create masterpieces that are both timeless and timely – every one infused with the generous spirit of aloha that’s as much a part of their nature as the sun itself. The art experience – and the products of that experience – varies from island to island. The lush, natural landscape of Kauai inspires painting and crafts that are as sophisticated as they are direct. Painters, sculptors, and crafts-people thrive on Maui where the whaler’s art of carving on ivory is still quite popular. Oahu’s art scene is both steeped in tradition and wildly contemporary. And it won’t surprise you that creativity on island of Hawaii, can be fiery indeed. Best of all, no matter where you go in the islands, you’ll find that artists are just as accessible as the art they create.

Museums

Hawaii has more than its share of museums, celebrating everything from Hawaii’s history, culture and geography to its contemporary art. The Bishop Museum on Oahu is the largest museum in Hawaii dedicated to studying and preserving the state’s history and is also considered the premier natural and cultural history institution in the Pacific. At the Lahaina Heritage Museum, visitors can literally feel the historical and cultural vitality of Maui’s legendary whaling town. And at the Kauai Museum, it’s possible to view galleries showcasing the work of multi-cultural artists, sculptors and craftsmen as well as learn about the geological formation of the Hawaiian Islands, early Native Hawaiian life, and the Hawaiian monarchy.

On the other side of the spectrum, the Contemporary Museum overlooking Honolulu has an awesome display of cutting-edge painting and sculpture. And for those interested in seeing the future, Hilo’s Imiloa Astronomy Center features a variety of space-age, interactive exhibits as well as an IMAX-style theater.

The Art of Film

Year in and year out, Hawaii contributes its vast natural resources to the art of film, providing settings and backdrops that are truly beyond compare. More than 60 box office features – including South Pacific, King Kong, and Jurassic Park – have been shot on the island of Kauai alone and Oahu is currently home base for the re-born Hawaii 5-0. No matter where you travel in the islands, you’re likely to see film crews, actors, and actresses, and in several cases, it’s possible to take tours of famous locations.

The Art of Hula

When words fail, they turn to a more ancient art of communication to express the beauty of Hawaii. Hula is as much an expression of Hawaiian life as it is a spiritual language. Local children and adults learn hula in schools called halau and the dance is performed at parties and celebrations on an almost daily basis throughout the islands. If you’re lucky, you’ll visit the islands during one of the many hula competitions or cultural festivals.

Hawaii is world-renowned for its beautiful beaches. The islands have every type of beach imaginable: white, black, green and red sand beaches; romantic bays and beach parks for the family; popular shorelines for people watching and off-the-beaten-path sands untouched by development. Discover some of Hawaii’s world-famous beaches below.

The beaches are:

Poipu Beach Park (Kauai): Popular with visitors and Hawaiian monk seals, this South Shore beach was once named America's Best Beach.

Waikiki Beach (Oahu): One of the most popular beaches in the world, this historic gathering place is also one of the best spots in Hawaii to take a surfing lesson.

Kaanapali Beach (Maui): West Maui's "signature" beach offers three miles of white sand and was named "America's Best Beach" in 2003.

Papohaku Beach Park (Molokai):At three miles long and one mile wide, this is one of Hawaii’s largest white sand beaches.

Hulopoe Beach Park (Lanai): Located in Hulopoe Bay and fronting the Four Seasons Resort Lanai at Manele Bay, this sweeping white sand shoreline was once named America’s Best Beach.

Kahaluu Beach Park (island of Hawaii): One of the best snorkeling spots on island of Hawaii, this is also a great place to take a surfing lesson.

Hawaii’s Island of Discovery is proud of being the oldest island in the Hawaiian chain and a sense of pride is infused in Kauai’s history as well as in the beauty of its hula.

You can learn about the history and culture of Kauai by visiting the Kauai Museum or Grove Farm Museum in Lihue, the Waioli Mission House in Hanalei Town and the Kokee Natural History Museum on the West side. Visit Kauai small towns like Hanapepe, Koloa, and Waimea to get a taste of local flavor and culture. Kauai’s many festivals (www.kauaifestivals.com) and events give you a chance to see the island from a local’s perspective. Explore beyond Kauai’s luxurious resorts to experience the true culture of Kauai.

Oahu

If you’re looking to meet the people of Hawaii, Oahu is a good place to start. There you’ll discover a true melting pot of diverse ethnicities, cultures and lifestyles bound together by the spirit of aloha.

The history and traditions of the Native Hawaiian people are evident throughout the historic places of Oahu. Significant landmarks like Iolani Palace, the King Kamehameha I Statue across the street, the Duke Kahanamoku statue on Waikiki beach, and the Bishop Museum celebrate the rich heritage of the people of Hawaii.

Today, Oahu has diverse cultures that have blended and transformed the island’s traditions, festivals and foods. As agriculture boomed in the late 19th century, workers from China, Japan, Russia, Korea, Puerto Rico, Portugal and the Philippines were brought to the islands to work and live on plantations. Today, you can experience this blend of cultures by enjoying Oahu’s local food or attending the island’s many festivals during your stay. To learn even more about Hawaii’s multicultural roots, take an educational tour through venues like the Hawaii Plantation Village or visit Oahu’s many fine museums.

The Oahu of today is a fascinating mix of the past and the present. Businessmen meet farmers and artisans. Eastern philosophies meet western technology. Music, dance, theatre and the arts in general are community treasures. Visitors from around the world meet locals still perpetuating Hawaiian traditions and customs. And while the people of Oahu blend the rich legacy of Hawaiian culture with the world of the 21st century, you’ll find the spirit of aloha remains as timeless as ever in the heart of Hawaii.

Maui

From the forces of King Kamehameha defeating King Kahekili in Iao Valley to the rowdy whalers of 19th century Lahaina, this island’s intangible mystique has been drawing visitors throughout history.

To step back in Maui’s past, visit the Whalers Village Museum for an historic account of the whaling industry, discover Maui’s agricultural past at the Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum or follow the Lahaina Historic Trail to explore this thriving seaport’s heritage.

Today, Maui reveals its cultural past through a thriving arts scene infused with the life-embracing spirit of aloha. From the events and exhibitions at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center and the Hui Noeau Visual Arts Center to Art Night every Friday in Lahaina, Maui continues to pay homage to its rich history. Local artists and artisans are also expanding their influence by creating a wide range of products, from hip fashion to traditional and contemporary crafts.

Molokai

Molokai legends speak of the hula beginning at Kaana near the present day town of Maunaloa. Every May, the people of Molokai gather together to celebrate this personification of the aloha spirit at the Molokai Ka Hula Piko Festival on Papohaku Beach Park. Some of the best dancers in the state gather to share their traditions. Every chant and dance tells a story. Of love. Of the gods. Of a history never to be forgotten. This commitment to perpetuating the past sets Molokai apart from the other Hawaiian Islands.

History’s roots run deep on Molokai, from 13th century Hawaiian Fishponds to the living classroom of historical sites in Halawa Valley. Whether you’re talking with a local in Kaunakakai or soaking in the island’s natural wonders, the past reaches out to touch each person who visits, like the graceful fingers of a hula dancer.

Lanai

Early Hawaiians didn’t inhabit Lanai until the sixteenth century. And today, its population is that of a small town. You can experience the intimate atmosphere of Lanai by taking a stroll around Dole Park in Lanai City, browsing the shops and eating at its local restaurants. You’ll quickly discover that this is a very special island with a profound sense of aloha, where everybody seems to know your name.

Most people living on Lanai are descended from plantation workers who first went there when the “Pineapple Island” was the world’s largest pineapple exporter. Ranching was also a key part of Lanai’s past adding to the rustic feel of destinations like Hotel Lanai and Four Seasons Resort Lanai, The Lodge at Koele. Today, this unique getaway offers many visitors the chance to experience the relaxation that’s a fundamental part of everyday life on Lanai.

Island of Hawaii

The Merrie Monarch Festival (follows Easter Sunday in March - April) is the world’s premier hula event held in Hilo. This weeklong celebration of the native art of the hula involves esteemed halau (hula schools) from every island and the mainland practicing year-round for the event. This moving expression of music, dance and storytelling is part of how the people of island of Hawaii continue to perpetuate and interpret the Hawaiian culture and its uniquely affirmative spirit of aloha.

Hilo town is also home to an array of museums, galleries, and performance venues where you can admire the work of local painters, sculptors, musicians, storytellers, and crafts people.

The Merrie Monarch Festival is just one example of how locals live comfortably in the present but with great respect for the past. The mana (spiritual power) is still strong at important historical places like Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, Puukohola Heiau Historic Site and Mookini Heiau State Monument. Today, with an active volcano still shaping the land at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, the people of island of Hawaii continue to forge their own history.

Dive deep into Hawaii’s local community and you’ll discover a culture alive with “paniolo” (cowboys), fire dancers, ethnic festivals, culinary events, and an exotic collection of celebrations unique in the entire world. Throughout the year, you’ll also encounter parades, street parties, food and craft fairs, concerts and family activities that honor every aspect of Hawaii’s diverse culture.

Annual Celebrations

Many of Hawaii’s most memorable celebrations occur like clockwork, every year. Some, like the Honolulu Marathon (December) and the Hawaii International Film Festival (October), draw visitors from around the globe. Others, like Oahu’s Prince Lot Hula Competition (July) or the Eo E Emalani I Alakai Festival (October) on Kauai, are primarily local events that also have a strong allure for visitors who want to experience “authentic” Hawaiian culture.

Likewise, events that feature local foods and agricultural products attract both locals and visitors. Kapalua Wine & Food Festival (June) on Maui is Hawaii's longest-running and most prestigious food and wine event and hosts world-class winemakers, master sommeliers and chefs for thousands of wine and food lovers. And the island of Hawaii's Annual Kona Coffee Cultural Festival (November) has something for everyone with nearly 50 events over 10 days.

Music

From Traditional to Contemporary

The roots of Hawaiian music go back a thousand years and you can still hear echoes in today’s rhythms, percussion instruments, chants, and vocal styles. Traditional Hawaiian chant are generally simple in its structure and both reverent and haunting in the way that it’s presented. But today it’s also possible to hear variations of Hawaiian music that are diverse as the islands’ mix of cultures – everything from rock ‘n roll and rap to jazz and a Hawaiian form of reggae known as Jawaiian.

Music Festivals

Every year, Hawaiian music is celebrated in music festivals that celebrate the uniqueness of Hawaii instruments, musicians, and songs.

The Ukulele Festival (July) at Kapiolani Park Bandstand in Waikiki honors what many visitors believe to be a hand-me-down from ancient Hawaii, but in reality, the ukulele was brought there by Portuguese immigrants at the end of the 19th century. Today, the uke is still a fundamental part of the musical landscape, not simply on stage but also at family picnics or on the beach.

Big Island Slack Key Guitar Festival (September) pays tribute to a uniquely local way of playing the guitar – another Hawaiian music staple. Slack key is a “slacked” or loosened tuning or technique that reflects the breezy, flowing quality of both local climate and culture.

Imagine you and your family viewing one of the most active volcanoes on earth on island of Hawaii; watching humpback whales leap from Maui’s warm waters; flying happy dragon kites in the trade winds of Molokai; exploring the tide pools of Hulopoe Bay on Lanai; witnessing the grandeur of Kauai’s Waimea Canyon; or exploring the fascinating exhibits at the Bishop Museum on Oahu. You’re sure to create lifelong family memories on your vacation to Hawaii.

You’ll find the culture of Hawaii is very family friendly. The Hawaiian word for “children” is “keiki” and fun for your keiki isn’t hard to find no matter which island you visit. Build sand castles with your kids on one the islands’ beautiful beaches. See their eyes light up as they play with interactive exhibits in Hawaii’s finest museums. Or explore Hawaii’s many National Parks and Historic Sites and learn about the islands together. Check with your hotel or resort for keiki programs that may include lei making, ukulele playing, and hula lessons.

So charge up your digital camera, pack some snacks, and bring plenty of sunscreen. And don’t be surprised if your family vacation to Hawaii becomes a brand new family tradition.

From dawn until well past dusk, Hawaii offers visitors a dizzying menu of culinary wonders including the islands’ own Regional Cuisine which blends the islands’ diverse, ethnic flavors with the fruits of Hawaii’s farms and plantations. Originally created by an even dozen Hawaii chefs, this is a movement that leverages the freshest island ingredients including locally-raised cattle, fish from local waters, and fruits and vegetables grown in volcanic soil.

Farm to Table

You can actually witness the entire farm to table process in Hawaii by taking walking tours of farms, gardens, ranches, and pasturelands. On an upcountry farm on Maui, you can pick a sweet Maui onion; you can take a taro farm tour on Kauai and sample fresh Waimanalo greens at dozens of Oahu restaurants; on island of Hawaii, you can take a coffee tour along the upland slopes of Kona; and throughout the islands, you can visit some of America’s most lavish farmers’ markets. Needless to say, no tour is worth the effort unless you get to sample the food (fortunately, that’s the case almost 100% of the time).

Eating Like a Local

In Hawaii, their palates have been influenced by generations of immigrants from around the globe, so it’s no surprise that their melting pot is filled with countless ethnic specialties. Local tastes are as varied as you’ll find anywhere in the world but there are local delicacies that are more or less exclusive to Hawaii residents. Street food in the islands reaches its zenith in the plate lunch, served on a paper plate and featuring everything from teriyaki beef with two scoop rice to the Japanese hybrid, spam musubi. Locals are also drawn to loco moco breakfasts (white rice topped with a hamburger, fried egg, and brown gravy), exotically-flavored shave ice (finely-shaven ice), and custardy, coconut haupia. One more thing you need to know: the Hawaiian word for ‘delicious’ is ‘ono!’

Hawaii is famous for its pristine beaches, perfect weather, tropical food and friendly people. But you’re missing out if you vacation to the Aloha State without some background on this island paradise’s history. Several monuments are scattered throughout the islands. These historical monuments include old lighthouses, religious statues and historic architecture

Diamond Head Lighthouse

The Diamond Head Lighthouse located on Diamond Head, one of Oahu’s most distinct natural landmarks. Diamond Head is an extinct volcanic cone once used as a U.S. defense fort. More than 100,000 years old, Diamond Head offers an impressive view of the ocean and is a favorite go-to spot for vacationers and locals alike. The Diamond Head Lighthouse was built in 1899 and stands at 55 meters tall. Though its interior, rebuilt in 1917, is closed to the public, but that shouldn’t stop you from visiting the historic monument.

Puukohola Heiau

The monument of Puukohola Heiau is located on island of Hawaii and is one of the largest temples in the state. One of the “heiau” temples built by ancient Hawaiians as a sacred place of worship, Puukohola Heiau is dedicated to the war god Kukailimoku. This historic stone monument has been standing since the late 1700s, prior to the influence of the Western world. While you’re here, take advantage of the spot's great whale watching; Puukohola is a well-known spot for spying on humpbacks.

Bailey House Museum

Visit the Bailey House, in the former compound of the last king of Maui, King Kahekili. The Bailey House has been standing since 1833, and the buildings surrounding it tell the stories of the missionaries and Maui people who’ve lived there over the centuries. Edward and Caroline Bailey were the original missionaries for whom the house was built. Now a museum, Bailey House displays unique artifacts, paintings and crafts.

The oldest and northernmost island in the Island chain is graced with dramatic, natural beauty. Outdoor adventures and romantic escapades flourish on Kauai. Explore the beaches of the Coconut Coast, see Waimea Canyon, "The Grand Canyon of the Pacific," or take a boat ride to marvel at the towering cliffs of the Napali Coast.

Home to the state capitol and the majority of Hawaii's population, Oahu is a vibrant mix of natural and cultural wonders with the modern arts, entertainment and amenities of the 21st century. See pro surfers charge the big winter waves of the legendary North Shore, relive American history at the memorials and museums of Pearl Harbor, or soak up the sun and take a surfing lesson on Waikiki Beach.

The second largest island is home to what some believe are the best beaches in the world. The waters off of Maui are also some of the best places in the world to whale watch every winter. Wake up early to catch the Haleakala sunrise, stroll through the historic hot spot of Lahaina town, or drive the long and winding road to Hana for spectacular scenery.

Maui Highlights:
Lahaina – Whale watch, shop and dine in this historic hot spot.
Makena Beach State Park (Big Beach) – One of Maui’s largest beaches.
Iao Valley State Park – Historic site home to the iconic Iao Needle.
Haleakala National Park – Scenic home to Maui’s highest peak.
Hana – Famous for the scenic drive to this small, charming town.

Molokai

With almost half of its population being of Native Hawaiian ancestry, Molokai is an island that has preserved its connection to the past and its love for the outdoors. Step back in time to the sleepy town of Kaunakakai, view the verdant flora in Halawa Valley, or learn about the works of Saint Damien at Kalaupapa National Historical Park.

Molokai Highlights:
Kaunakakai – Molokai’s main town and seaport.
Kalaupapa National Historical Park – Historic seaside settlement.
Papohaku Beach – One of the largest white sand beaches in Hawaii.

Lanai

Without a single traffic light, Lanai is a true island getaway for luxury, romance and privacy away from crowds. Get away from it all at Lanai’s opulent resorts in Hulopoe Bay and Lanai City, see the rock formations at Keahiakawelo, or 4-wheel drive amongst the pine trees along the Munro Trail.

Lanai Highlights:
Hulopoe Bay – Once named America’s Best Beach.
Lanai City – Central town with local shopping and dining.
Keahiakawelo (Garden of the Gods) – Otherworldly barren landscape.

Island of Hawaii

Larger than all but two of the other islands combined, island of Hawaii is vast enough to hold the world’s climactic zones—from sandy beaches to snowcapped mountains. See waterfalls, rainforests and botanical gardens in Hilo, explore the calm and clear water off of Kona, or view Kilauea, one of the world's most active volcanoes, in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

When you visit Hawaii, you’ll want to shop for something to take home. There’s actually a very good chance you can meet the person who makes it, which makes Hawaii shopping extra special. From the bustling boulevards of Waikiki to the quaint shops, lively bazaars, and tranquil art boutiques that dot all the Hawaiian Islands, you’ll find that shopping in Hawaii is an adventure all to itself.